Creating a shady oasis in an alcove or covered patio area provides a great retreat for some refreshments when the weather gets warm , as seen in this design by Pure Salt Interiors .
TOP ROW : JESSICA ALEXANDER ; BOTTOM : COURTESY OF OUTSHINE PR
ice chests that require regular restocking of ice to maintain the desired temperature , a refrigerator allows you to store a larger quantity of beverages and ingredients without the hassle of constantly replenishing ice . Plus , with the added freezer space , you can keep additional supplies on hand , such as ice cream for frozen treats or extra bags of ice for larger gatherings .”
CRAFTING THE COCKTAILS When setting up a backyard bar , Huddleston says having the right equipment can make all the difference in creating top-notch cocktails .
“ Jiggers are a must for any bartender , novice or experienced , as they ensure consistency in drink recipes by precisely measuring out ingredients ,” he says . “ This attention to detail helps maintain the balance of flavors in your cocktails , guaranteeing a consistently delicious outcome every time . Shakers are equally essential , not only for mixing ingredients , but also for imparting texture to your drinks . The process of shaking cocktails with ice
MEZLOMA
helps chill and dilute them while also incorporating air , resulting in a smoother , more wellrounded flavor profile .”
For any at-home bartender looking to cover the basics , Huddleson believes tequila is a must . He says its versatility is unmatched , especially for summer drinks . Whether mixing it with green juices for a refreshing twist , adding a kick of spice or enhancing the natural sweetness of citrus or watermelon , tequila effortlessly complements a wide range of flavors . For mixers , he says a few essentials can elevate your cocktail game significantly .
“ Start with good quality soda water ; its effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle to any drink ,” he explains . “ Lime and [ other ] citrus juices are must-haves for adding brightness and acidity to cocktails , enhancing their overall flavor profile . Watermelon juice is another fantastic addition , bringing a hint of sweetness and refreshing summer vibes to your concoctions .”
One indispensable tip , he shares , is to batch
Servings : 1 1 ounce The Lost Explorer mezcal ½ ounce Amaro Nonino ½ ounce lime juice ¼ ounce simple syrup 3 dashes Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters 1 ½ ounces Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink
Grapefruit soda
Add mezcal , Amaro Nonino , lime juice , simple syrup , bitters and ice into a shaker , then shake to combine and chill . Fill a rock glass with ice and strain the contents of the shaker into the glass . Top with Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda and stir . Garnish with a fresh or dehydrated citrus wheel or wedge of your choice . — Courtesy of Topside your cocktails ahead of time .
“ By preparing larger quantities of cocktails in advance , you ’ ll avoid the need to spend the entire evening mixing drinks to order ,” he says . “ This allows you to focus on mingling with your guests and enjoying the festivities rather than being tied to the bar . Batching cocktails also ensures consistency in flavor and presentation , guaranteeing that each guest receives a perfectly crafted drink every time . Plus , it allows you to experiment with more complex recipes that might be impractical to prepare individually during the event .”
Huddleston also says , for beer enthusiasts , investing in a kegerator can be a game-changer for a backyard bar setup : With options like a hazy IPA and a light lager on tap , you ’ ll have the essential summertime beers ready to enjoy at any gathering . Plus , serving beer on draft adds a touch of sophistication to an outdoor bar experience , impressing guests and elevating the overall ambiance of your space . NBM
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 63